Walgreens Sued by Rite Aid Bankruptcy Trustee Over Opioid Costs

Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. is breaching its pledge to cover opioid-related legal expenses for nearly 2,000 Rite Aid Corp. stores it acquired, according to a lawsuit filed Thursday by Rite Aid’s bankruptcy trustee.

The suit in Delaware’s Chancery Court says Walgreens is reneging on contract terms requiring the retail pharmacy giant to reimburse tens of millions Rite Aid has spent to defend and settle more than 1,600 civil cases related to the nationwide opioid epidemic. Those lawsuits concern the role allegedly played by Rite Aid’s prescription dispensing policies in fueling the public health crisis.

Instead of honoring the deal, Walgreens ...